This is the 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Porsche's pseudo-shooting brake couldn’t wait for Geneva to get here

March 2, 2017

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Though the new Panamera is just now available for the 2017 model year, Porsche already is adding to the lineup with the 2018 Panamera Sport Turismo. Think of it as a sort of Euro wagon alternative to the regular Panamera’s hatchback as it makes its debut at the Geneva motor show. Everything from the B-pillars back is new, with the new model available in four distinct Porsche flavors.

Expected to hit the U.S. market by the end of this year, the base vehicle is the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo. Starting price is $97,250, and it comes packing a 330-hp turbocharged V6. One step up is the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. Total output is 462 hp from the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and electric motor combo. Starting price is $105,050 with destination.

Because it's a Porsche, this is not a bench seat. This is "2+1 seating."

The Panamera 4S Sport Turismo packs the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from the E-Hybrid, but leaves the electric motor behind. Horsepower is 440 with a starting price of $110,250. And no Porsche model would be complete without a Turbo trim, with the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo packing a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 making 550 hp. The Turbo will start at $155,050. Expect prices to climb quickly when adding options.

The design, which is unique from the B-pillars back, gives the Panamera Sport Turismo more storage capacity. With the seats up, capacity is 18.3 cubic feet compared to 17.4 in the regular vehicle. Storage increases to 49 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat, which is three more than the sedan. To aid in loading, the tailgate loading edge measures a scant 24.7 inches from the ground.

The luggage compartment, which has an optional management system consisting of loading rails in the floor, four latching points and luggage net, measures 15 cubic feet with the seats up and 45.7 with the seats folded.

The wagon-esque lines suit the new Panamera design well.

The design also applies to the roof, which extends into an adaptive spoiler that can be set to three different stages depending on the driving situation and vehicle settings. Not only does the adaptive spoiler provide an additional 110 pounds of downforce on the rear axle, but when the panoramic sliding roof is open at speeds greater than 56 mph, the spoiler helps minimize wind noise.

The spoiler is part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics system. Up to 105 mph, the guide element stays retracted to reduce drag and optimize efficiency. Above 105 mph, the spoiler moves into the performance position to increase stability and dynamics. When the Panamera Sport Turismo is in sport or sport-plus driving modes, the spoiler automatically moves to its performance position at speeds greater than 56 mph.

We'll have more details and live shots of the Panamera Sport Turismo lineup from the car's official Geneva motor show launch.